Genesee Health System (GHS) has awarded grants totaling $220,000 to 22 local food pantries in December to support hunger-relief efforts in Genesee County. The initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan (FBEM).
The FBEM selected the partner food pantries — each receiving $10,000 — based on several criteria, including their capacity to serve more people, their established distribution systems, and their demonstrated need to expand hunger-relief services.
Grants were awarded to the following food pantries:
▸ Lakeview Community Church
▸ St. John Church of Fenton
▸ Argentine Church of the Nazarene
▸ More Life Tabernacle
▸ Bethany UMC
▸ Richfield Church of the Nazarene
▸ Martus/Luna Food Pantry
▸ Eastside Compassionate Mission
▸ St. Luke’s
▸ Fairhaven SDA
▸ Montrose Food Bank
▸ Bethel UMC
▸ Christ the King Catholic Church
▸ Hillside General Baptist
▸ Greater Holy Temple
▸ Helping Individuals Succeed / Bristol Road Church of Christ
▸ New Creation COG
▸ Asbury UMC
▸ Flint City Church
▸ Flint First Wesleyan
▸ New Paths
▸ Odyssey House
“We know that many of Genesee County’s most vulnerable residents — some who are working through mental health and/or substance use disorders — often turn to food pantries for help, especially when access to food becomes limited,” said Danis Russell, CEO of Genesee Health System. “We have always worked closely with community partners like the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan to ensure individuals have access to food and essential items. Many of these food pantries have experienced a significant increase in need. These grants will allow them to expand their capacity to serve some of our most vulnerable residents.”
“Together, we are ensuring families across Genesee County have reliable access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.”
— Kara Ross, president and CEO of the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan
“Genesee Health System’s investment comes at a pivotal moment for our community, and we are deeply grateful for their partnership in strengthening Genesee County’s hunger-relief network,” said Kara Ross, president and CEO of the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. “These grants will empower organizations already doing essential work to expand their reach, serve more neighbors, and build the capacity needed to meet increasing demand. Together, we are ensuring families across Genesee County have reliable access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.”
The grantees have varying hours of operation, which can be reviewed on the Food Distribution Calendar.
About the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan:
Serving local families since 1981, the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan provided more than 39 million pounds of food last year through a network of nearly 600 hunger-relief partners across 22 counties. Partners include food pantries, soup kitchens, churches, schools, and shelters that collectively support more than 234,000 people struggling with hunger throughout eastern Michigan. For more information, visit fbem.org.
About Genesee Health System:
GHS provides services and support for individuals in Genesee County needing mental health treatment, substance use disorder services, intellectual and developmental disability support, and primary health care. Learn more or get help at genhs.org.
This program is funded by Genesee County Community Mental Health Millage dollars — your tax dollars at work.
